This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its debut gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, branded Save Point. The new event merges interactive play with live streaming to rally support for the charity’s mission during the most giving time of the year. Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming community. “We wanted a platform that would let us reach gamers not just as partners but also as individual donors,” Baxter explained.
“Not everyone has the stamina or time to train for a marathon, but a gaming marathon is far more accessible and showcases how a different kind of supporter can make a real impact.” To bring the concept to life, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who earlier this year helped raise more than £5,000 for the charity through his own channel. Baxter emphasized that the partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with gamers, influencers, and their audiences beyond the two‑day event. “It would be phenomenal to introduce a wider slice of the gaming community to the work we do and why it matters,” she said. “If, after this event, we have a fresh cohort of gamers who want to keep supporting us because of the experience they’ve had, I’ll consider that a massive win.” Baxter also highlighted the learning curve involved.
“Because this is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the insights we gather—from viewer engagement metrics to donor feedback—will be priceless. They’ll help us design even bigger, more sophisticated gaming events in the years to come.” In her view, gamers and streamers are the "unsung heroes of fundraising," and she believes the gaming world is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support.
She noted that many gamers share a love for storytelling, imagination, and escapism, values that can be redirected toward tangible, real‑world change. "There’s a common understanding among game lovers that we’re a community that thrives on narratives and immersive experiences. By channeling that passion into a force for lasting social impact, we’re proving just how powerful the gaming community can be," Baxter said.
Save Point is a cornerstone of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential supplies that children in crisis need—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter.
Baxter underscored the contrast: "You can order almost anything with a few clicks, but for millions of children this Christmas, it’s not toys they’re waiting for—it’s life‑saving deliveries." The event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. Participants can sign up through a dedicated registration page, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing donation platforms, and promoting their streams to maximize reach.
The charity plans to provide promotional assets, such as overlay graphics, countdown timers, and suggested talking points, to help streamers maintain a consistent message about the cause. During the two‑day window, streamers will host a variety of gaming sessions—ranging from speed‑run marathons in classic titles to cooperative raids in modern multiplayer games—while encouraging viewers to donate in real time. Interactive features like donation goals, live polls, and viewer challenges are expected to keep audiences engaged and motivated to contribute.
Save the Children hopes the event will not only raise funds but also foster a sense of community among participants. By uniting gamers around a common purpose, the organization aims to demonstrate that entertainment platforms can serve as powerful conduits for philanthropy. Baxter added, "When people see that their favorite hobby can directly improve a child’s chance of a safe, healthy future, it creates a lasting emotional connection that goes beyond a single donation." The charity is also planning post‑event follow‑ups, including thank‑you livestreams, impact reports showing how the raised funds are allocated, and opportunities for ongoing collaboration with successful streamers. These steps are intended to turn one‑off donors into long‑term advocates who continue to champion the cause within their own gaming circles.
In summary, Save Point represents an innovative blend of digital entertainment and charitable giving, leveraging the reach and enthusiasm of the gaming community to address urgent needs faced by children worldwide during the festive season. By inviting gamers to turn play into purpose, Save the Children aims to set a precedent for future fundraising efforts that are both inclusive and impactful.